Who is this Leo guy anyway?

Like any kid growing up in the 70s, my bike was essential transportation. But what I liked most about it was how it worked. In fifth grade a friend showed me how to take apart a coaster brake hub. Why stop there? I decided to take my trusty yellow Schwinn apart, and much to my mom’s relief, I put it back together with no leftover parts. It’s safe to say, I haven’t stopped wrenching since. I learned everything I could and when I was older got a summer job at the local bike shop.

I graduated from VHS in 1984 and was part of their state championship cross country team. I completed my first marathon before I turned 18 and kept running for Valparaiso University. (Let’s just say when I find something I like, I stick with it.) While long-distance running is my competitive passion, taking apart bikes and making them ride like new is always a welcome challenge.
I graduated from VU in 1989 and that same year opened my first bike shop (Leo’s Hobart Schwinn/Leo’s Bicycle Works), which I owned and operated for 12 years. During that time I got married, had a family, bought a house and things like insurance and stability took on new meaning. I traded in my tools for a timecard. It paid the bills, but there wasn’t a week that went by after the original Leo’s closed where I didn’t get someone asking “Do you still work on bikes?” The answer was always “yes” but there had to be better way than having people bring their bikes over to my basement.
In 2011, I bought a van, filled it with tools, and took my show on the road.

Leo’s was Northwest Indiana’s first mobile bicycle repair, and the response has been tremendous. “You mean I don’t have to load my bike up and bring it to the shop?” Let me bring the bike shop to you! The same quality and personal service that made Leo’s Bicycle Works a local leader in the bike business, now in a convenient, mobile unit!
I’m looking forward to providing you quality products and exceptional service at the most convenient location of all: anywhere you are.

Leo Frey
Leo’s Mobile Bicycle Service

Meet Our Mechanic, Jay

Jay is currently a sophomore at VHS, but he's an advanced scholar when it comes to anything with wheels.
He's been holding as wrench as long as he can remember and is currently restoring a sweet 1972 Ford F100 in his spare time.
We are grateful to have his skills and smiling face in the shop!

Meet Leo's Sister, Ann

Leo needed someone to mind the shop while he was out mobile appointments, so like any big brother he twisted his sister's arm till she said yes.
Ann, a.k.a. "Leo's sister" checks in new inventory, rings up sales, handles social media posts, and tries to keep things organized in the wake of Leo.
Most recently Ann was in real estate but she truly enjoys helping out with the family business and spending some quality time with Leo.

What Do Customers Say?

"Leo has been fixing and maintaining our bikes for two years, and he does a great job.
He has gotten us out of a few predicaments when we needed our bikes worked on quickly,
and he was able to do the work the same day. With his new mobile bicycle repair service,
he actually comes to us, does the work at our house, and everything is ready to go.
Sarah and I appreciate Leo’s friendly, efficient service, knowledge, and professionalism.
We won’t trust our bikes with anyone else and can’t recommend him highly enough.
Call Leo for your tune-ups and repairs, and you’ll be pleased with the results."

Dr. Jim Arnold - Customer for 5+ Years

"THE bike man of Valpo!"

"Leo definitely knows his way around a bike. He is very experienced and can handle everything from tune-ups to repairing and or building wheels. He does a great job at a very fair price."

Pete Glisic – Customer 10+ years

"Quick and reliable service on rolling walker brake repairs!"

"Leo, Thank you so, so, so very much for refurbishing the bikes. I cannot tell you how much it means to us
and how much it will mean to the kids who will get the bikes. You are truly awesome and appreciated."

Cathie Dull - Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County

"Leo, I am back from Georgia. I wanted to let you know that I could not have been happier with
how well my bike performed. I did not have one mechanical and the bike felt rock solid. I really
appreciated how true my wheels were and my brake calipers were perfect. I exceeded 40mph multiple
times on long multi-mile descents (the roads were not always dry). This year there were way more downhill
switchbacks, twists and banked turns than ever before. The bike felt as if on rails. There were
more mechanical issues with other cyclists than I've ever seen on this event. There were way too many
busted chains. One guy broke a cassette cog (Campy 17 or 18 tooth) clean in half! I am still trying
to figure that one out. I rode over 110 miles and climbed over 9500 feet over Thursday and Friday. Saturday
it rained big time(bummer!) and my flight was later that evening. Leo, again, I just wanted to say THANKS for a safe bike!!"

DeWayne Ferris

"If you're looking for someone to repair and maintain your bicycle(s),
I highly recommend you call Leo's Mobile Bicycle Service. Professional, thorough and highly knowledgeable
about his craft and at a fair price. My 35 yr old Schwinn now rides like its new. Nice guy too!"